In the early 1980's, a small group of people led by Father Godfrey Nzamujo determined that the level of development in Africa was grossly insufficient and sought to restore dignity to the African people. The result was the creation of the Songhai Center. Named after the famed 15th-century Malian empire, Songhai is a center for training, for production, research and development of sustainable agricultural practices.

The movement seeks to augment the standard of living of Africa's populations using the following methods for the creation of viable agricultural enterprises: Through the use of local resources, traditional and modern methods; Through the hybridization of traditional and modern agricultural practices; Through the instruction and implementation of effective management; Through the encouragement of individual and communal responsibility and initiatives; Through the inclusion of diverse opinions.

The ambition of Songhai is to foster an environment of creativity and innovation and as a result, reestablish a stable African society. Songhai draws inspiration from "the Timbuctu effect" - Pride, progress and effective result-, by clearly emphasizing all the advantages Africa offers. Citizens can therefore benefit from globalization rather than be excluded from it or solely bear the weight of its effects. RESOURCES Funds are collected from the sale of Songhai's own products as well as grants from various partners. Most of Songhai's resources are used to finance production activities while a small portion is allocated to administrative expenses. The ongoing objective is to attain 100% financial independence. Songhai is an institution which seeks to exist via its own efforts and which finances its programs primarily from revenues generated by its own activities. In addition to the internally generated funds, several partners support many of Songhai's investment projects. They include the following organizations: USAID (United States Agency for International Development) - principal partner Songhai Support Group (California) UNDP , HCR, (United Nations Agencies) RABOBANK Foundation ( The Netherlands) Accion Verapaz (Spain) SID (Society for International Development) IDRC (International Development Research Centre) Coopération Française (France) CCFD (Comité Catholique contre la Faim et pour le Développement - Catholic Commission against Hunger and for Development) (France) CODEV-Toulouse (France) Songhai France, bringing together several support associations in France (Solidarité Songhai, Songhai-Chasselay, Collecte pour les jeunes installés -Collection for young farmers -, the Parish of Froissy-St, André) and the governments of Benin and Nigeria.

SONGHAI - SOME FACTS AND FIGURES More than 400 students in training in the centers located in Porto Novo, Savalou, Parakou, and Kinwedji for an 18-month training period. More than 250 farms established in all the regions and managed by the young people trained in Benin; they are brought together under a Network involving local coordinating units.

More than 300 participants from various countries and from all walks of life take part each year in short-term training programs More than 150 permanent staff, facilitators, technicians and administrators More than 4,000 visitors every year. More than 40 partners from public and private institutions, NGOs, associations, universities, and international institutions like USAID and UNDP.